Preparation for the wedding began swiftly and Rosalind was moved to another chamber, separate from the ladies’ quarters, where she was expected to remain until the wedding ceremony.

Her footman had already been replaced, and now a huge, broad-shouldered man was to stand guard by her door day and night.

Rosalind was no longer allowed to go anywhere, whether it was her lessons, the chapel, or even the garden. She remained confined to the room at all times and no one was permitted to visit her.

She had heard Verity and Thalia’s voices outside the door at some point, but the footman informed them that the king had forbidden anyone from seeing her.

Rosalind’s life had already become a living hell before she had even married the tyrant.

The windows of her chamber had been barricaded in case she attempted to escape through them, and every possible exit had been secured so thoroughly that even looking outside felt impossible.

She was slowly beginning to lose her mind. The first day was so slow, and all Rosalind could really do was eat since even her meals were brought directly to her chamber and she was forbidden from dining elsewhere. Afterward, she found herself lying on the bed while staring blankly at the ceiling, swallowing hard as her chest tightened painfully.

The maids came in and out to take her measurements for the wedding gown, her shoes, and every other thing needed so preparations could be completed within the remaining three days. Through it all, Rosalind was alone with her thoughts, and nearly every one of them returned to Rowan.

She wondered what he was doing, whether his wounds were healing properly, whether he was eating enough, sleeping well, or even recovering at all.

The thought that she would never see him again only made everything worse.

Rosalind wanted desperately to ask about him or somehow find out if he was alright, yet the king’s warning continued to echo inside her head that she was never to have anything to do with Rowan again.

Thankfully, the two maids spent little time keeping her company, which stopped her from feeling entirely alone. They brushed her hair for her, helped her get dressed, and stayed with her for short periods before leaving again.

Rosalind knew she had to be careful around them, for all she knew, Alaric could have placed them around her specifically so they could report every word she said back to him. Because of that, she remained cautious throughout the day, answering very little while quietly observing them instead.

Later that evening, when it was time for the servants assigned to Rosalind to report back, Alaric looked toward them and asked, "Was there anything suspicious?"

"There was nothing suspicious, Your Grace. Lady Rosalind is behaving as expected and nothing appears out of place," the footman answered respectfully.

"Good," Alaric replied calmly. "Keep watching her carefully. She is smarter than she looks, and if anything seems out of order, report it to me immediately."

The servants bowed their heads before leaving after the king dismissed them.

The second day arrived and everything remained the same for Rosalind. She stayed quiet while the maids prepared her for the day, although it was obvious she no longer had the spirit she once carried.

Not that Rosalind had ever truly seemed happy within the palace walls, yet compared to before, she now looked exhausted and hollow.

"You can talk to us, my lady," Jae said softly while brushing carefully through Rosalind’s hair, hoping she would reveal something worth reporting later.

Jae had already heard from Claire that Sabine had been locked away because her plans had failed, and because of that, she was willing to do almost anything if it meant helping Sabine regain favor.

"Can you bring me books from the library? I would like something to read," Rosalind said quietly. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Jae nodded immediately. "Is there anything else?" she asked while meeting Rosalind’s gaze through the mirror. "You can ask me anything."

Rosalind swallowed hard as she looked at jae’s reflection. She had been trying not to ask, truly trying to stop herself, although after an entire day without hearing anything about Rowan, the silence was beginning to consume her.

"Is the footman recovering properly?" she asked carefully, trying to sound casual despite the tension in her chest.

"I’m not sure, my lady, but I can find out for you if you want," Jae answered quickly.

"Thank you," Rosalind said softly. "And please do not forget the books."

Jae bowed politely before exiting the chamber, leaving Rosalind behind to wait anxiously for any information at all.

When Jae eventually returned later with the books in her hands, Rosalind immediately sat upright.

"I already checked, my lady," Jae said. "He is doing better now."

"Really?" Rosalind asked immediately, and Jae nodded once more.

Relief washed through Rosalind’s chest.

"Would you like me to send a message to him on your behalf, my lady?" Jae asked carefully.

Rosalind’s heart skipped at the thought of it, but she quickly shook her head because it was far too risky. Knowing Rowan was alright was already enough for her, and if she attempted anything more, Alaric would only find another reason to punish both of them.

"These books are enough. Thank you," Rosalind said with a small smile, and Jae bowed politely before her.

Although Rosalind treated her kindly, she had no idea what Jae truly intended or that the maid’s loyalty belonged to Sabine rather than her.

The day dragged on once again, and Rosalind lost count of how many times she fell asleep or drifted into thought. Even though the books and Jae’s brief company distracted her at times whenever the maid came to serve her, it still felt nothing like being outside among everyone else. She missed her old life terribly, the life Alaric had taken away from her piece by piece.

Later that evening, when it was time for the servants assigned to Rosalind to report back once again, Alaric was seated in his study reviewing documents concerning Eryndor while pressing his royal seal against parchment after parchment.

"What did you notice today?" he asked without lifting his gaze immediately.

"Lady Rosalind behaved as expected, Your Majesty, and nothing seemed out of line," the footman answered respectfully.

"Actually..." Jae spoke up, causing Alaric to finally look toward her. "She asked about the other footman."

Alaric’s eyes narrowed slightly at once. Rowan? Slowly, a smirk stretched across his lips. So soon? It seemed they truly could not stay away from each other.

"Did she attempt to contact him, or did he attempt to reach out to her?" he asked calmly.

"No, Your Majesty," Jae answered.

Inwardly she felt disappointed. She had hoped Rosalind would fall into the trap and ask her to secretly deliver a message so she could report everything directly to the king.

"Continue watching them carefully," Alaric instructed.

Both servants bowed their heads before leaving the study.

The two of them were doing surprisingly well at resisting temptation. Alaric had expected them to seek each other out no matter the consequences. Still, he remained convinced that this obedience was only temporary and that eventually they would slip up.

****

By the time the third day arrived, the atmosphere within the palace had already changed entirely as preparations for the royal wedding filled every corner. Ribbons were tied along the walls, flowers decorated the halls, and nearly everything within sight reflected the upcoming ceremony since the wedding itself would take place the following day.

After Rosalind finished eating, Jae approached her once again. "My lady, you are to visit the chapel today to pray," she informed her gently.

Of course she was expected to pray for her new life as the king’s future wife.

Rosalind did not resist because this would be her chance to step outside after being trapped indoors for two full days.

"It will only be for a short while before you return to your chamber," Jae added.

Rosalind merely gave a soft smile that failed to reach her eyes before gathering herself and walking toward the door. Once it was opened for her, she stepped outside and made her way toward the chapel while the footman and Jae followed closely behind her.

As Rosalind moved through the palace corridors, the grand decorations surrounding her only made her stomach twist in anxiety rather than filling her with excitement.

Every ribbon, flower, and shining ornament reminded her that she was about to marry a man she desperately did not want. Servants and nobles alike greeted her respectfully as she passed, and Rosalind forced herself to respond politely while they carefully kept their distance.

Her fingers fidgeted nervously with the fabric of her gown as her gaze wandered around the corridors, secretly hoping she might somehow catch sight of Rowan.

Then, just as she turned a corner, she heard his voice.

Her heart skipped violently inside her chest and her footsteps slowed immediately. Excitement rushed through her so suddenly that for a moment she forgot how to breathe.

"Thank you for being honest with me," she heard another woman say softly.

Rosalind looked ahead and saw Rowan standing there with a lady before the two exchanged small bows. The woman then walked off in the opposite direction while Rowan finally lifted his gaze and met Rosalind’s eyes.

Her fists tightened instantly at her sides, and her heart felt as though it might leap straight out of her chest. She almost spoke, almost called his name, but every thought shattered the moment Rowan only offered her the slightest respectful bow before continuing forward, his jaw tightening as he forced himself to keep walking.